Saudi Arabia eyes tourism transformation

Arab state highlights charming heritage sites through sustainable development

Saudi Arabia is teeming with unique experiences, from its charming heritage sites and sandy beaches, to its resort destinations, attracting solo travelers and families alike, not to mention its renowned holy sites for Muslim pilgrims and the vastness of its desert landscapes.

After welcoming a record 100 million tourists last year, thus surpassing its goals for Vision 2030, a grand economic diversification plan introduced by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud in 2016, Chinese visitors and talents are poised to continue playing a significant role in the country's tourism development.

There were 140,000 Chinese visitors who came to Saudi Arabia last year, surpassing 2019 figures, which were at an estimated 111,000, according to Gloria Guevara Manzo, chief special adviser at the Ministry of Tourism Saudi Arabia, in an interview with China Daily in March.